How many fit
13 of the 22 models checked meet every need here: “Feed eight or more people”.
13 models fit, out of 22 checkedPicked for one job
Best pellet grill for feeding large groups
Top pick
recteq Flagship 1600
With 1,667 square inches of published cooking area and a 40-pound hopper, recteq Flagship 1600 leads the large-group picks here. Its size only pays off if you regularly cook for a crowd.
Why it suits this job
- Cooking area comes to 1,667 square inches.
- Hopper capacity is 40 pounds of pellets.
- The catch
- As a large, premium patio smoker, it is a poor fit for tight spaces and for buyers who need portability.
- Go with Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Grill if
- cooking for eight or more people is your deciding need
More reasons we picked it
- Its top listed setting is 700°F.
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With 1,667 square inches of published cooking area and a 40-pound hopper, recteq Flagship 1600 leads the large-group picks here. Its size only pays off if you regularly cook for a crowd.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the pellet grills and smokers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Why it helps
At 1,667 sq in, recteq Flagship 1600 has the largest listed cooking area of the comparable models.
- recteq Flagship 1600
- 1,667 sq in
- Typical (median)
- 665 sq in
- Models with this figure
- 17 of 22
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Feed eight or more people”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
How we calculatedFigures are the maker's total cooking area. Upper racks and odd-shaped layouts do not give you the same direct-grate space. The median draws on the 17 of 22 models that publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| recteq Flagship 1600 |
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| Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Grill |
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| Pit Boss Navigator 850 Connected Pellet Grill |
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Decision guide
How to choose for this job
recteq Flagship 1600 tops the large-group choices in this set, with 1,667 square inches of published cooking area and a 40-pound hopper. You only need that much grill if you regularly cook for a crowd.
What this choice hinges on
Cooking area comes to 1,667 square inches. As a large, premium patio smoker, it is a poor fit for tight spaces and for buyers who need portability.
What puts Flagship 1600 ahead
You get 1,667 square inches of cooking area and a pellet hopper that holds 40 pounds.
When another grill is the better fit
Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Grill is the alternative if cooking for eight or more people is your deciding need. Pit Boss Navigator 850 Connected Pellet Grill fits the same need.
What this page can’t tell you
- Pellet consumption shifts with weather and temperature.
- Published grate area sometimes includes upper racks.
- A maximum temperature figure does not show searing performance on its own.
3 options
The top pick and the alternatives
recteq, RT-1600FS
Flagship 1600
The pellet hopper holds 40 pounds, and cooking area comes to 1,667 square inches.
Top pick ifcook for eight or more people, a family of four included
Key facts
- Cooking area comes to 1,667 square inches.
- Hopper capacity is 40 pounds of pellets.
The catch
As a large, premium patio smoker, it is a poor fit for tight spaces and for buyers who need portability.
Traeger, TFB97JLH
Woodridge Pro Pellet Grill
Cooking area totals 970 square inches, and the pellet hopper holds 24 pounds.
Pick this instead ifcooking for eight or more people is your deciding need
Key facts
- It provides 970 square inches of cooking area.
- The pellet hopper holds 24 pounds.
The catch
Small households and tight patios don't need a body this large.
Pit Boss, PB850M
Navigator 850 Connected Pellet Grill
Its 932 square inches of cooking area come with a pellet hopper that holds 30 pounds.
Pick this instead ifcooking for eight or more people is your deciding need
Key facts
- Cooking area comes to 932 square inches.
- Hopper capacity is 30 pounds of pellets.
The catch
It is a big patio grill and not a portable or tabletop unit.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
recteq Flagship 1600
Cooking area comes to 1,667 square inches.
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Traeger Woodridge Pro Pellet Grill
cooking for eight or more people is your deciding need
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money